Romance for You (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 8
Ji Ho, who had been smiling pleasantly with the corners of his mouth tilted upward, took out his phone.
He tapped the screen a few times with his fingertips and brought it to his ear.
Immediately, Lee Su’s phone began to vibrate.
Ji Ho gave a light nod toward the sound.
“You’ve got a call.”
“Yeah.”
Lee Su, seeing Seo Ji Ho’s name on the screen of the phone in her hand, stared at him with an incredulous expression.
Reading the silent question in her eyes—“What are you doing?”—Ji Ho grinned and said,
“Why don’t you answer it?”
Though she found the situation absurd, Lee Su brought the phone to her ear, swayed by Ji Ho’s gentle yet commanding presence.
“…Hello?”
“It’s me, Ji Ho.”
Watching Ji Ho speak calmly as if he were genuinely on a call—even though he was right beside her—Lee Su nodded.
Ji Ho turned his upper body fully toward Lee Su and stretched his arm out, placing it along the back of the bench where she sat.
Startled by his sudden movement, Lee Su involuntarily flinched her shoulders—
It almost felt as if Ji Ho were wrapping his arms around her.
“Sorry for calling so late.”
Ji Ho spoke while gazing intently at Lee Su from an almost uncomfortably close distance.
Had it been a mere illusion that his chest fluttered with relief upon hearing she’d been waiting for his call?
And what about the way the corners of his mouth had lifted at her words?
Now she finally understood why he’d asked for the umbrella back.
‘That’s exactly why he did it—because he wanted to hear Lee Su herself say she’d been waiting.’
During the stretch of silence, Lee Su saw her own reflection in Ji Ho’s eyes.
For a brief moment, her heart pounded so hard she squeezed her eyes shut.
‘It must be because of the alcohol.’
Lee Su swallowed hard and slowly parted her lips.
“What are you doing right now?”
“Calling you, obviously. You said you were waiting.”
At his shamelessly playful reply, Lee Su let out an exasperated laugh.
So he was calling her now just because she’d waited?
Her brief laughter fading, Lee Su shot him a glance.
“You could’ve done this sooner. I’ve been lugging that umbrella around for days—it was exhausting.”
Ji Ho simply looked at her silently, as if urging her to go on.
“I thought you’d forgotten about it since you didn’t contact me. You clearly said you’d reach out, so I wondered if I’d misheard you—maybe you hadn’t actually asked me to return it and I’d just imagined it. So for these past few days…”
Lee Su trailed off mid-sentence.
Why was she even telling this man—who clearly hadn’t cared at all about how she’d felt over the past few days—about it?
He was the one who’d promised to call, yet expected her to wait.
Did that mean he couldn’t even be bothered to contact her?
And what was this business about being glad she’d waited?
Her thoughts moved sluggishly, probably because of the alcohol.
So Lee Su decided to just state her conclusion plainly.
“Anyway, I didn’t bring the umbrella today since I didn’t know I’d see you. It’s in my locker at the med school—if you want it, I can go get it for you right now.”
To Ji Ho, her words sounded as if she no longer cared whether he called or not—just like that umbrella tucked away in her locker.
She had waited—but only for a few days, apparently.
Ji Ho, who had listened in silence, asked in a low voice,
“Did you not want to call me first?”
Lee Su answered with silence.
“So if I hadn’t called, you wouldn’t have given me back the umbrella.”
Ji Ho gave a soft chuckle.
He knew that wasn’t her intention—but he’d been curious about how she’d react.
“Did you even plan to return it?”
Lee Su bristled, a look of injustice flashing in her eyes.
It was true she hadn’t done anything except wait for his call—but she hadn’t intended to withhold it!
Remembering how she’d anxiously waited all these days, she suddenly felt a lump rise in her throat.
“Of course I did. I was absolutely going to give it back.”
Ji Ho smiled faintly and propped his face against his arm, which still rested on the bench.
This brought them even closer together.
Whether from the alcohol or something else, Lee Su didn’t put up her usual guard.
“Alright. Wait here. I’ll go get it.”
It was only a 20-minute round trip from Luna Garden to the medical school.
Lee Su actually thought this was for the best.
She didn’t know when she’d see Ji Ho again, and she didn’t want to keep worrying about him.
Returning it now would wrap things up cleanly.
The moment Lee Su stood abruptly from her seat, Ji Ho burst into laughter.
Impatient, aren’t we?
He reached out and caught her wrist.
Was she really in such a hurry to hand it over and be done with him?
If so, he’d just have to make sure she kept thinking about him.
“That’s enough for the call.”
Ji Ho stood up and lowered the hand holding his phone.
Lee Su ended the call and looked up at him.
“But you said you’d give it to me now—why not?”
“Not now.”
You’ll get it slowly.
“But it’s not even raining—you’ll have to carry it all the way.”
Ji Ho looked at Lee Su with tender eyes.
Her hair fluttering in the night breeze, her skin so clear it seemed translucent, that uniquely intelligent and tidy aura of hers—
Sometimes melancholic, sometimes refreshingly bright, sometimes bafflingly cheerful.
Which of these was making him act so unlike himself again?
“Let’s meet on a rainy day. I’ll take it then.”
Thinking it would be fine as long as it wasn’t today, Ji Ho continued,
“You call me that time. I’ll wait.”
He leaned down deeply until his eyes aligned with Lee Su’s, gazing at her with such intensity it felt like he was sealing a promise.
Mesmerized by his overwhelming gaze, Lee Su found herself nodding involuntarily.
At that moment, her wrist—still held by Ji Ho—felt scorching hot, as if it might burn.
**
Friday morning.
Lee Su blankly stared at her reflection in the mirror as she dried her hair.
Her skin looked dull, and her eyes were noticeably puffy.
‘This is the worst. I wonder if it’ll get better with time.’
Her eyes briefly flicked toward the untouched makeup products tucked in the corner of her vanity, then lingered on the perfume Ji Ho had given her.
Instead of makeup, she picked up the perfume.
She opened the cap and lightly spritzed her wrists and the ends of her hair.
Rubbing her wrists together, she dabbed some behind her ears, and a pleasant scent wrapped gently around her.
Strangely, her alcohol-induced headache seemed to ease considerably.
Lee Su changed clothes and stepped out of her room.
**
“Good morning.”
“Yes. Lee Su, come sit down and have breakfast.”
As Lee Su entered the first-floor dining room and greeted her, Choi Su Min spoke with a gentle smile.
Despite the early hour, Su Min’s makeup was flawless, and the elegant floral apron she wore gave her an air of refined grace.
“Thank you. I’ll enjoy the meal.”
Lee Su bowed politely to Su Min and sat down next to Won Jin.
On the table, individual square trays were neatly arranged with sandwiches, salads, and fruit.
“What would you like to drink—coffee or juice?”
“I’ll have juice, please.”
A moment later, Su Min set down a freshly blended banana-strawberry juice on Lee Su’s tray.
“Thank you.”
“Did you drink a lot last night? Your face looks a bit swollen.”
Won Jin examined Lee Su’s face with concern.
Last night, Lee Su had slipped past Won Jin with just a quick glance before dashing straight up to her room—
Avoiding unnecessary scolding was always the best strategy.
“A little. There was a club orientation party last night.”
Thinking of how Yoo Mi’s dad always made sure she had warm bean sprout soup the morning after drinking, Lee Su took a sip of her juice.
She knew perfectly well she wasn’t in a position to expect such care, yet Su Min’s subtle indifference stung quietly.
Though Lee Su had come home reeking of alcohol last night and crossed paths with Su Min, her hangover clearly wasn’t on Su Min’s radar this morning.
“The ski club you’ve been talking about since last year?”
“Yeah.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to join a med school club instead?”
Won Jin said, spearing a piece of mozzarella and an olive from his salad with his fork.
“I’ve always wanted to try a central university club while I still have time. I’d like to meet students from other departments. After all, I won’t have this kind of free time once we move past pre-med.”
Lee Su popped a golden-brown shrimp into her mouth.
Even in a single plate of salad, Su Min’s meticulous care for Won Jin’s refined tastes was evident.
An assortment of fresh greens, tomatoes, shrimp, cheese, and olives, all drizzled with a homemade dressing—truly exquisite.
Lee Su was genuinely grateful that thanks to Su Min, meals at home were always delicious.
“Is it fun?”
“Yeah. We’ll go skiing in winter anyway, so it doesn’t take extra time. Plus, I get to meet all kinds of new friends—it’s enjoyable.”
Having finished her salad, Lee Su took a bite of her sandwich.
“Won’t it take even more time than a med school club? Are you sure you’re not short on study hours?”
“Dad, you yourself drilled into my ears over and over: ‘You absolutely must have zero regrets during pre-med—you won’t have time to play once you enter the main course next year.’ Besides, hardly any hospitals even look at pre-med grades.”
Won Jin knew this well—but since he also knew how hard it was to recover lost academic ground, the nagging just slipped out.
“Students who did well in pre-med tend to keep excelling in the main course too. If you lose your study rhythm now, you’ll struggle later. Seniors say this all the time—just balance fun with your studies. I’m not saying don’t play at all.”
“Of course, of course. You know I’ve gotten straight A’s so far, right?”
To reassure him, Lee Su formed a circle with her thumb and index finger and held it up in front of Won Jin’s eyes.
“Of course I trust you—it’s just that I worry a little.”
Won Jin was the chief director of JS Plastic Surgery, Korea’s largest aesthetic-focused hospital.
Beyond his own specialty of plastic surgery, the hospital had expanded into dentistry, dermatology, and functional cosmetics, attracting patients not only domestically but internationally as well.
Ever since Lee Su expressed her dream of becoming a doctor, Won Jin had significantly expanded the hospital and renamed it using his and Lee Su’s initials.
He knew better than anyone that she’d given up accompanying her mother to London and worked tirelessly to achieve her dreams.
For that reason, Won Jin had always looked at Lee Su with immense pride and admiration.
Smiling fondly, he affectionately patted her shoulder.
Across from Lee Su, Su Min remained silent throughout the conversation, only occasionally nodding along.
“Good morning, Dad!”
Just then, Yoo Mi’s voice rang out from behind.
“Oh, yes. Did you sleep well, Yoo Mi?”
“Yes.”
Yoo Mi beamed sweetly at Won Jin.
Around her father, she was always polite and endearingly affectionate.
“Dad, what’s this perfume?”
As she sat down, Yoo Mi suddenly sniffed the air.
“Perfume?”
“Yeah—it smells amazing. Is it yours?”
“No, it’s coming from Lee Su. I’ve noticed it since she came downstairs. Did you put on perfume today?”
Won Jin turned to Lee Su with a warm smile.
Still chewing her sandwich, Lee Su simply nodded.
“Did unnie start wearing perfume now?”
Yoo Mi recalled Lee Su’s nearly empty vanity.
Lee Su had always claimed even diffusers gave her headaches due to her sensitivity to scents—let alone actual perfume.
So why was she suddenly wearing it, especially without makeup, bare-faced as usual?
“Unnie, what’s the name of this perfume?”
“Huh?”
What was it called again? She only remembered the bottle’s shape—not the name, since she’d never intended to buy it herself.
“I’m not sure—it was a gift.”
Lee Su shrugged nonchalantly.
“You got perfume as a gift? From who? A boyfriend?”
Won Jin suddenly perked up and fired off questions.
“No! Why on earth would ‘boyfriend’ come up when we’re just talking about perfume?”
Caught off guard by the sudden word, Lee Su choked on her juice and coughed, then straightened her expression.
“Gifting perfume carries special meaning—it’s something couples often exchange.”
Su Min, who had been quietly listening, chimed in.
“Really?”
Hearing this for the first time, Lee Su immediately searched her phone for the meaning behind gifting perfume.
Apparently, it meant, “Always remember me.”
She recalled Ji Ho’s face as he’d handed her the perfume—so casually, as if it were nothing at all.
‘He definitely didn’t give it to me knowing that meaning.’
There was absolutely no way it could mean that.
Male lead Asks for a Divorce Every Day
It’s not often you come across a plot like this in the female-dominant genre — make sure to check it out!
This is a novel I’m planning to reread as well.
The male lead is strong, skilled in martial arts, and not the usual fragile type you often see in matriarchal novels.
Meanwhile, the female lead is a scientist—rational and logical. Even when she falls for the male lead, she doesn’t let her emotions cloud her decisions.
If you push through the first few chapters, you’ll gradually find the story really intriguing.
It has a mix of mystery, detective elements, and romance.
The author’s writing style is like crafting a puzzle—except they deliberately leave out a few pieces, making it hard to predict what happens next, yet keeping you hooked.
In the end, everything will come together and be explained.
One-sentence summary: Wife, stop playing with beakers and look at me!
In a laboratory accident, research scientist Zhu Wansheng accidentally travels to a matriarchal world. The original owner of the body is an eighteen-year-old only daughter of a wealthy rouge merchant, already married with a handsome young man.
Zhu Wansheng grins: Nice! She always said she was heaven’s favorite granddaughter. After a life of toil in her previous life, she can enjoy blessings in this one.
However, her joy lasts no more than three seconds as bad news arrives: the original owner’s family is about to go bankrupt, and her husband wants a divorce.
Even worse, she’s stuck with a research system full of restrictions.
Zhu Wansheng: ? Is this the destiny of a research dog?
——
Faced with this mess, Zhu Wansheng pours herself a bowl of wine to drown her sorrows. In her drunken haze, her husband arrives.
His figure is imposing, holding a long sword, with a dignified air that captivates Zhu Wansheng.
Gu Yingqing, however, looks at the alcohol-reeking Zhu Wansheng with undisguised disgust and coldly asks, “Divorce or not?” The intoxicated Zhu Wansheng mumbles vaguely, “I think… it’s not… it’s not… impossible!”
——
The next day, after sobering up, Zhu Wansheng is full of energy, rolling up her sleeves ready to make a big move. As for yesterday? She has no memory of it.
Zhu Wansheng is ambitious; a research dog fears nothing!
Upgrading rouge, extracting fragrances, producing perfumes, researching lipsticks… all shall bow to the power of modern technology!
The original owner’s dying rouge shop is revitalized. Her mother is pleased and with a wave of her hand, passes on the family business to her. As she takes control and her experimental results gain popularity, it’s the pinnacle of her life…
——
But there are always those who can’t stand to see her doing well. Jealousy, scheming, assassination attempts – they want nothing less than her life.
The person who has always kept his distance from her suddenly holds her tightly in his arms, eyes full of concern.
She is unharmed, but he falls into a pool of blood…
Zhu Wansheng feels guilty, “I can grant you one wish.”
Gu Yingqing tentatively circles his arms around her, carefully resting his head in the crook of her neck, pleading softly, “I regret it. Can we not divorce?”
Zhu Wansheng: ? When did I agree to a divorce?
[Small Theater]
The newly developed rouge is beautifully packaged, and Zhu Wansheng is eager to try it.
Gu Yingqing suddenly appears: “My lady, may I apply it for you?”
Cool fingertips lightly brush her lips. His Adam’s apple bobs as he leans in for a light bite.
Zhu Wansheng: ?
Gu Yingqing: It smells so good, I wanted to taste it…
On a warm spring day, Zhu Wansheng tries a new perfume: “Spring Night.” Gu Yingqing corners her against a wall.
Warm breath lingers on her neck.
“My lady, from now on, may I test the fragrances for you?”
[Humorous female scientist vs scheming live-in son-in-law male lead]
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
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